Frederick Ladd Davis Sr., 87, died December 24, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Hartford, Vermont at the family homestead January 30, 1934, to Howard and Esther (Jamieson) Davis and lived his entire life in Hartford. Fred enlisted in the Air force at 17, during the Korean War. He was a proud veteran and considered it an honor to serve his country. During his service, he earned his GED and became a member of the Class of 1953, at Hartford High School.

In his youth he worked on the family farm in the village, delivering milk with his grandfather. He started his truck-driving career at Honey Gardens Dairy and later drove for Holmes Transportation and St. Johnsbury Trucking. In the 70's he started Davis Excavating with his son Fred and later with his son Steven. Driving his dump truck in the winters plowing for the Town of Hartford. He also owned and operated Woody's Polaris and Fred and Harry's Store, both in Hartford.

In the spring of each year, he ran his sugar operation, "Fred's Sugar Shack", with old friends. Later he ran it with his son and son in-law. It became a gathering place for his grandchildren and great grandchildren who helped gather sap and run lines. Many friends and family enjoyed fresh maple syrup each year.

Fred enjoyed skiing, fishing, hunting deer and moose, and snowmobiling up north. He was an avid NASCAR fan, watching it on TV, and going to many races in person. In his retirement, Fred and Betty enjoyed their camp; first off, the snowmobile trails in Brighton VT, later buying his dream camp on Island Pond. He enjoyed many years snowmobiling up there with Betty and his family and friends in the winter and in the summers, you could find them cruising Island Pond or sitting by the lake watching his family enjoying the camp on the water. Island Pond brought him one of his greatest joys in life. He always said, "True Vermonters retire up north" and he was definitely a true Vermonter.

Fred was a member of the Hartford Lions and a Life Member of the VFW and Legion posts in Island Pond, Vt. He was also a member of the Hartford Elks where his grandfather was a member of the founding charter, later transferring to Windsor.

The family wishes to thank the Veterans Hospital and its doctors and nurses in White River Jct. for Fred's excellent care over the last few years

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Davis; a brother Gill Davis; five children, Fred Jr. (Colleen), Linda Snow-(David), Steven (Lisa), Rhonda Littlefield (Gordon) and Tim Sr. (Kim); five Grandchildren who called him Papa, Kristen Connors, Danielle Martin, Tim Davis Jr., Ryan Murphy and Caitlin Davis as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

Calling Hours will be held at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., Friday January 7th from 4-7pm. Funeral service Saturday, January 8 ^th at 11am at the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ, Route 14, Hartford Village.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fred's name to: Greater Hartford United Church of Christ, PO Box 265, Hartford, VT 05047, VA Medical Center Voluntary Service General Purpose Fund, 215 North Main Street, White River Jct., VT 05009, or Bugbee Senior Center, 262 North Main Street, White River Jct., VT 05001.